- When a person has a cough for more than 8 weeks, it is considered to be persistent and should receive immediate medical attention.
- This discomfort is related to the development of hoarseness, headache and other annoying and frustrating effects.
- The most important step in your treatment is to identify the cause or diagnose the underlying health condition that causes it.
There is a situation that millions of people around the world have experienced and it is the persistent cough When a person has an allergy or cold, the resulting stuffy and runny nose can irritate the back of the throat. Some upper respiratory tract infections, like Covid-19, cause inflammation in the throat just like acute bronchitis or the occasional bout of acid reflux.
“There are many reasons why we get a cough, whether it is due to an acute infection or an undiagnosed illness. Over-the-counter cough medicines are a good first step to relieving tedious symptoms, but if your cough becomes persistent, it’s time to see a doctor,” says Dr. Zeenat Safdar, a pulmonologist at Houston Methodist Hospital.
This type of irritation and temporary inflammation usually leads to coughing. The problem is when it is prolonged for long periods of time because it affects the quality of life of patients.
“A cough is considered chronic if it persists for more than 8 weeks. At this point it becomes concerning if the cause of the cough could be the result of a chronic health condition that needs to be identified.”
In addition, frequently coughing is accompanied by other problems. Coughing not only keeps you awake and gives you a bad rest, it also produces hoarseness, headache and other annoying and frustrating effects.
What causes a persistent cough?
- Asma.
- Chronic bronchitis.
- Emphysema.
- Environmental factors, such as recurrent exposure to dust or smoke.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Heart failure.
- Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
- Interstitial lung disease.
- Smoking or vaping (smoker’s cough).
- Vocal cord dysfunction.
How is persistent cough treated?
The most important step in your treatment is identify the cause or diagnose the underlying health condition that produces it.
Sometimes this can be as simple as reviewing what medication the patient is taking and substituting one that does not cause coughing. Other times you need to see a specialist for further evaluation.
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For example, a pulmonologist can help to better treat or manage asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Instead, a gastroenterologist can help with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and a cardiologist can treat a heart problem. With the underlying health condition better treated, the cough should improve as well.
Also, over-the-counter cough medicines that contain dextromethorphan can help suppress a cough that doesn’t go away completely.
“If the cough continues to be disruptive, your doctor may be able to give you a stronger medication to combat it. Either way, cough medicines are not the long-term solution for a persistent cough.”
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